Getting to The East Cape

March 14, 2014

When we left Mount Tongariro we first traveled a little further North to Taupo.  This part of New Zealand is known for its geysers, steam vents, bubbling mud and all other kinds of geothermal activities.   The whole area basically smells like one big rotten egg although it is quite interesting to see huge steam clouds rising up from the ground, holes fenced off here and there to avoid you falling into the boiling mud and streams with water hot enough to take a bath in. 

 

Orakei Korako's geysers and silica terraces.

Famous for its silica terraces and geysers, Orakei Korako also has “an impressive natural cave with a jade-green pool thought to have been used as a mirror for the Maori women” according to our Lonely Planet guide.  The silica terraces and geysers were rather cool, but the cave was a bit of a disappointment. 

We then headed back East to drive the Coastal road North.  We had a leisurely drive stopping along the way to see a few of the sights.  That evening we played a round of mini-golf and took in a movie in Gisborne.   

As we continued North a couple of notable stops were Cook’s Bay – a bay where Captain Cook made landfall in October 1769 to take on provisions (a nice 2.5 hour hike up to the view point and down to the bay); and Tolago Bay Wharf – a 660 meter wharf constructed in 1929 and recently restored at a cost in excess of 5.5 million dollars. 

 

Tolaga Bay Wharf - no longer used but still very impressive.

The Hole in the Wall at Cook's Bay

Cook's Bay

We reached the Eastern most part of New Zealand and rose early to be the first in the world to see the sun rise on March 14^th.  It was 752 steps up to the lighthouse where we waited with about eight other people to see the sun come up over the horizon.  Once the sun was up, we had ourselves some breakfast and made our way inland to seek shelter from Cyclone Lusi reported to be heading to New Zealand.

The beautiful morning light on the East Cape Lighthouse - the Easternmost lighthouse in the world.

Just a nice view of the sun rise - 7:02 AM - March 14th.